1

Research Lab Assistant Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

We are Genmo, a research lab dedicated to building open, state-of-the-art models for video ... Help optimize model performance and scaling capabilities * Assist in ensuring safe and robust model ...

We are Genmo, a research lab dedicated to building open, state-of-the-art models for video ... Help optimize model performance and scaling capabilities * Assist in ensuring safe and robust model ...

Research Assistant

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

We are actively hiring a Research Assistant to support our Walnut Creek, California site. Shift ... Help manage study supplies, lab kits, and other trial materials * Maintain confidentiality and ...

We are actively hiring a Research Assistant to support our Walnut Creek, California site. Shift ... Help manage study supplies, lab kits, and other trial materials * Maintain confidentiality and ...

Research Assistant

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

We are actively hiring a Research Assistant to support our Walnut Creek, California site. Shift ... Help manage study supplies, lab kits, and other trial materials * Maintain confidentiality and ...

Pathology Lab Assistant II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36.30 - $50.82/hr

... researchers, and other members of the patient care team; and other routine pre-analytic and post-analytic processes necessary to support health care providers in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring ...

Pathology Lab Assistant II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$36.30 - $50.82/hr

... researchers, and other members of the patient care team; and other routine pre-analytic and post-analytic processes necessary to support health care providers in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring ...

... Lab. This position, under the direction Tippi MacKenzie, MD, (reporting to Emma Canepa) is ... They will lead the planning of events such as symposia, workshops, and retreats, and will assist ...

... researchers, pharmaceutical companies and health systems make confident decisions and improve ... lab assistant, accessioner, or lab equipment support role Preferred Qualifications: * 1 or more ...

... researchers, pharmaceutical companies and health systems make confident decisions and improve ... lab assistant, accessioner, or lab equipment support role Preferred Qualifications: * 1 or more ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Lab Assistant information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$11

$22

$33

How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in San Rafael, CA is $22.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research lab assistant do?

A Research Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring the lab is clean and organized. They may also be responsible for documenting results, ordering supplies, and following safety protocols. Their role is essential for the smooth functioning of research projects and helps advance scientific studies efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by research lab assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Research Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in data collection, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on lab work can be demanding, especially during busy project phases. Effective time management, clear communication with the research team, and organization skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges. Proactively seeking clarification and regular training on lab procedures can also help minimize errors and improve efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Lab Assistant, you need a background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and knowledge of standard lab procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data management systems such as LIMS is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining laboratory safety, and supporting research productivity.

What is the difference between Research Lab Assistant vs Research Technician?

AspectResearch Lab AssistantResearch Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's degree or specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experimentsLaboratory, often more hands-on with equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsResearch institutions, healthcare, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesClarifying technical support roles in labs

The main difference between a Research Lab Assistant and a Research Technician lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Research Lab Assistants typically support experiments and perform basic lab tasks, often requiring an associate's degree. Research Technicians usually have more technical duties, including operating equipment and data collection, often with similar or additional certifications. Both roles are vital in research environments, but the Research Technician generally has more technical responsibilities.

How much is a research lab assistant paid?

Research lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, education, and the location of the lab. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often working part-time or full-time schedules in academic or research institutions.

How to become a research lab assistant?

To become a research lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring postsecondary education in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering can also improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in San Rafael, CA?

The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Research Lab Assistant jobs in San Rafael, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Lab Assistant jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,944 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Research Program Manager

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description


The Program Manager is responsible for the overall administration and related activities to support the high quality research and research translations programs for Tippi MacKenzie, MD, including the Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine (CMFPM), the Center for Genome Surgery (CGS), and the MacKenzie Lab. This position, under the direction Tippi MacKenzie, MD, (reporting to Emma Canepa) is responsible for: programmatic planning; communications; financial activities; strategic planning; organizational infrastructure; community building; information management; coordination of grants and related financial activities; human resources support (staff, fellows, visitors).
This role will need to work independently to identify and address challenges as they arise, often for the first time. This position requires a self-starter; keen learner; and an experienced, resourceful problem solver with skills in organization, project-management and implementation, interpersonal relations, and team management. The Program Manager works cooperatively with Campus and Medical Center personnel, including faculty, staff, graduate students, research and medical fellows.
To effectively manage the ongoing operations of the Center and to facilitate the growth of new programs, the Program Manager requires some facility with the subject matter, which an applicant is unlikely to have but must be able to learn at a sophisticated, lay level. This role is responsible for internal and external communications, including communication with internal and outside collaborators, overseeing the communications strategy and outreach, writing and editing documents such as newsletters, donor reports, websites, announcements, and social media posts. They will lead the planning of events such as symposia, workshops, and retreats, and will assist with coordinating multicenter research projects.
Department Overview
This role will support Dr. Tippi MacKenzie's programmatic needs for the Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine (CMFPM), the Center for Genome Surgery (CGS), and the MacKenzie Lab (Lab).
The UCSF Center for Maternal-Fetal Precision Medicine is an interdisciplinary research collaboration that is administratively housed in the Department of Surgery, a major academic clinical department in the UCSF School of Medicine. Faculty, staff, and trainees from many research and clinical specialties, across many departments and clinical services, contribute to the CMFPM's goals to improve prenatal diagnosis of genetic diseases and to develop genomic and other molecular therapies to treat genetic diseases before birth. The research activities are highly-collaborative and span the full range of basic, clinical, and translational research, including clinical trials. Key staff members on the CMFPM team include a prenatal genetic counselor, a clinical trials manager, a prenatal sequencing program manager, an embedded ethicist, research fellows, clinical research staff, and this program manager role, all working in close cooperation. Close collaborators at UCSF include the Center for Genome Surgery, Fetal Treatment Center, Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, and the Innovative Genomics Institute at UC Berkeley. The CMFPM is co-directed by Dr. Mary Norton, a leader in precision prenatal diagnosis, and Dr. Tippi MacKenzie, a leader in prenatal molecular therapies. The CMFPM is poised to develop personalized, life-saving genomic therapies for our youngest patients with serious genetic diseases. It is an exciting time to join the Center.
The Center for Genome Surgery is an interdisciplinary research collaboration that is administratively housed in the Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, a major academic research unit at UCSF. Faculty, staff, and trainees from many research and clinical specialties, across many departments and clinical services, contribute to the CGS's goals to improve genomic therapies to treat rare genetic diseases. The research activities are highly-collaborative and span the full range of basic, clinical, and translational research, including clinical trials. Key staff members on the CGS include a program manager, a prenatal genetic counselor, a clinical research coordinator, research fellows, clinical research staff, and this program manager role, all working in close cooperation. Close collaborators at UCSF include the CMFPM, Pediatric Genetics, and the Innovative Genomics Institute at UC Berkely. The Center is directed by Dr. Tippi MacKenzie.
The MacKenzie Lab is a basic science and translational research lab that is housed in the Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research. Key staff members include graduate students, postdocs, surgery residents, and staff research associates working towards the shared goal of understanding the fundamental mechanisms of maternal-fetal biology in order to develop innovative fetal and pediatric therapies for genetic diseases and pregnancy complications. The MacKenzie Lab is lead by Dr. Tippi MacKenzie.
Responsibilities
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
Yes
Manage with significant autonomy a small to mid-sized program with primary responsibility for administrative, programmatic, and communication activities, which include but are not limited to the following:
20%
Yes
Communications
Manage or produce written, visual, digital, and electronic communications for Dr. MacKenzie aimed at diverse audiences that include scientists, clinicians, donors, staff, leadership, sponsors, patients.
Maintain communication assets including contact lists, artwork, video.
Ensure effective messaging and compliance with UCSF standards.
Maintain websites.
Prepare social media posts.
Draft and edit reports to donors and funding agencies.
Write and disseminate announcements and newsletters.
Liaise with stakeholder departments (ObGynRS, Surgery, IGI,GML, FTC, PCD) and represent MacKenzie group interests in FTC marketing activities.
Assess impact of communications efforts.
40%
Yes
Programmatic Activities
Organize activities including meetings and events that are weekly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc; local, national, and international; administrative, scientific, and social; virtual and in-person. Collaborate with team leads and Dr. MacKenzie to clarify objectives and develop agenda for these meetings and events.
Organize weekly business meetings (agenda, follow-up) and weekly research meetings (speaker schedule, recordings, follow-up).
Organize quarterly social, annual symposium, quarterly virtual seminar, ad hoc workshops and conferences, including program development, logistics, registration, budgeting, procurement.
Assess program's effectiveness, and recommends changes to content, policies, and procedures.
Work with program leadership to identify and pursue funding opportunities and revenue streams.
Facilitate internal and external collaboration.
Community building.
20%
Yes
Financial oversight
Participate in the program budgeting and accounting processes to support financial infrastructure of program.
Prepare annual budget, quarterly expenditure report, and cumulative report on sources and uses of funds.
Review expenses for accuracy and compliance with UCSF and sponsor requirements and move expenses as appropriate.
Plan event budgets, review contracts.
20%
Yes
Human Resources
Prepare ad hoc stipend requests.
Organize outreach and application review for fellowship positions.
Facilitate appointments for visiting scholars and volunteers
100%
(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
• Three years of related experience
• Strong/Advanced analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem recognition, avoidance, and resolution skills
• Strong/Advanced ability to work and think independently and creatively on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills
• Excellent judgement and tact
• Strong/Advanced writing and editing skills
• Technical knowledge of social media platforms and website content managers
• Strong/Advanced interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Strong/Advanced event planning knowledge and experience
• Thorough knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources, and financial principles and practices
Preferred Qualifications:
• Academic background or experience in a related area of research
• Thorough knowledge of UCSF, including its mission, vision, goals, policies, and infrastructure; knowledge of relevant current affairs and issues in health sciences
• UCSF experience and familiarity with UCSF business applications
• Solid fundraising experience
• Experience with program building within an academic institution
• Knowledge of the biomedical research enterprise
• Terminal degree in a related area (PhD, JD, MD, etc.) and/or equivalent experience/training

What University Of California San Francisco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom